David Benavidez, the WBC interim super middleweight champion, is set to face former two-time world champion Demetrius Andrade on November 24th, in a Showtime pay-per-view event. Benavidez, who has been criticized for not accepting a challenge from WBA “regular” super middleweight champion David Morrell Jr., aims to leverage his size and power against Andrade. However, making weight has been a struggle for Benavidez, as seen in his last fight against Caleb Plant, where he appeared visibly drained.
Andrade, a southpaw with a superior boxing skill set, will look to exploit Benavidez’s weakened state due to the weight cut. The winner of this bout will become the mandatory challenger for WBC 168-lb champion Canelo Alvarez. However, there’s no guarantee that the World Boxing Council will enforce a title defense against the winner, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the bout's significance beyond pay-per-view sales.
Both fighters have their own sets of challenges and motivations. Benavidez, who defeated David Lemieux last year to win the interim title, has yet to be ordered by the WBC to face Canelo Alvarez. Andrade, on the other hand, has been actively seeking a fight against Alvarez across multiple weight classes but has been consistently avoided. This fight serves as a platform for both to make a statement, although the ultimate prize—a bout against Alvarez—remains uncertain.
In summary, the Benavidez-Andrade fight promises to be an intriguing clash of styles and ambitions. While both fighters stand to gain financially from the pay-per-view event, the lack of assurance for a title shot against Canelo Alvarez raises questions about the fight’s long-term implications. The WBC’s next move could be crucial in determining whether this bout will be a stepping stone to greater challenges or merely a lucrative but ultimately inconsequential match.
Image Credit: Showtime